Annual Hearts and Scholars event honors investment towards student success

On Feb. 3, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University hosted its 21st annual Hearts and Scholars event, where donors and the students they support gathered to discuss the impact of scholarship.

This year, alumna Mariana Peña gave the keynote address. The 2023 graduate earned her degree in political science with a minor in Spanish. Originally from New Mexico, Peña came to ASU with several scholarships in 2016 and quickly became involved with her community.

She held numerous leadership roles in organizations such as the political science honors society Pi Sigma Alpha, the ASU Civic Engagement Coalition and ASU Young Democrats and contributed to mental health initiatives in Latino Communities as part of Cohort 2 of the Next Generation Service Corps.

“Because of the generosity of people and donors, like those of you who are here in this room, I could focus on my studies. I was able to take unpaid internships and hold leadership positions that helped shape my career,” said Peña.

Peña has worked as campaign staff for Corey Woods’ mayoral race for the City of Tempe and as an organizer and regional training director for the 2020 Democratic coordinated campaign and previously served in Honorable Phoenix Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia’s office. She currently serves as the assistant to Mayor Woods.

Since moving to Arizona, Peña has found a passion for giving back to help create a world where economic and financial burdens disappear. She has been part of projects to address homelessness, including opening a shelter that has helped over 1,200 individuals obtain access to services to help them get off the streets, as well as shape policies to uplift struggling families.

“The success many (students) achieve is aided by the philanthropy of alumni, faculty and community members who choose to invest in the future by supporting students in the present,” said Kenro Kusumi, senior vice provost and dean of The College.

Mary Murphy, a dual major in Russian and political science, grew up in a society where education for women was deemphasized. As a recipient of the Norma F. Schuessler Scholarship, Murphy came to ASU to further expand her knowledge in Russian and has since added a second major in political science.

“The gift of this scholarship is enabling me to finish my education, makes me feel valued as a human, makes me feel seen as a female and is giving both myself and my daughter a bright future,” said Murphy.

Alexis Alba, studying family and human development, political science and psychology, received the Faire Elizabeth Virgin Sax Scholarship. Scholarship funding and employment opportunities helped him fund his education after his father lost his job.

“Without those scholarships, I wouldn’t be here today, I wouldn’t be able to be an outgoing individual in The College or just stepping into other roles,” Alba said. “Philanthropy means to me helping out other people when you have the opportunity to and for me its built character, its built leadership.”

The College is home to over 30,000 students and almost 40% are Pell-eligible. Contributions from donors support the expansion of research opportunities, the ability to study abroad or to take financial pressure off of students.

“Your support does more than just help students afford college. You are giving them the freedom to dream, to lead and to serve. You are not just funding an education, you are building a future, our future for all of us. You are lifting financial burdens of not just one student but their entire family,” said Peña.

“Your generosity allows students to focus on research, leadership and making a difference rather than worrying about tuition — I promise you that investment pays off. Because someone invested in me, I now invest in others.”